About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team ran this snorkelling trip, we headed out by speedboat to Koh Tan and Koh Madsum — two quieter islands just off Koh Samui's coast. The 6-hour outing hits the main beats: a couple of snorkel sessions over coral reef with decent marine life, time to laze on white sand, and a Thai lunch parked with ocean views. It's a straightforward, no-fuss day trip, with hotel pickups from most of Samui's main beaches and all gear included. The islands themselves feel refreshingly under-the-radar compared to the busier tourist spots.
Highlights
- Speedboat ride gets you to quiet islands in under 30 minutes from Samui
- Coral reef snorkelling with actual fish — parrotfish, snappers, the usual suspects
- White sand beaches genuinely empty, especially mid-week
- Thai lunch served seaside beats eating back in town
- Hotel transfers from Lamai, Chaweng, Bophut and most beach areas
- Snorkel gear provided — no hassle renting separately
- Small groups mean guides know who's where
What to expect
You'll be collected from your hotel in the early morning — the exact time depends on where you're staying on Samui. The speedboat journey itself is quick and smooth, taking you to the first snorkel site within half an hour. Noah reckoned the reef here is healthy without being pristine; you'll spot grouper, parrotfish, and the odd reef shark if you're lucky, but don't expect underwater fireworks. You'll spend roughly an hour in the water, then move to the second site or head to the beach for a break.
Lunch arrives mid-afternoon at one of the islands — it's a standard Thai set menu (curries, rice, veg) served on the sand with decent ocean views, which beats a rushed meal back at the resort. The pace is relaxed; there's time to swim, sunbathe, or just sit. The islands themselves feel genuinely quiet — no jetski racket, minimal vendors — which is the real appeal here. You'll be back at your hotel by late afternoon.
What travellers say
- Low-key islands mean you actually relax between snorkel sessions
- Quick boat ride — minimal travel time from Samui
- Snorkel gear and lunch both included in the price
- Hotel transfers from almost every major beach area
- Decent coral and fish life without peak-season crowds
- Small groups mean a less factory-line feel
- Tour requires minimum 10 people — may be cancelled in off-peak
- Snorkelling is pleasant but not exceptional for serious divers
- Admission fee not included — budget extra 50 baht per person
- Extra transfer charge applies if staying west side of Samui
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you want to snorkel without battling crowds at Ang Thong or other big-name spots, this works. The islands are near enough to Samui that you're not spending half the day on a boat, and the snorkelling is decent rather than world-class. Thai lunch included is a genuine plus. Hotel transfers from most beaches mean no early taxi hunt.
The tour won't run with fewer than 10 people — if you're booking outside peak season, confirm it's going ahead. The admission fee (50 baht per person) isn't included, so budget that. If you're staying in Nathon or the west coast, there's a 700-baht surcharge per transfer. The snorkelling is good but not spectacular — this is a chill beach day with snorkelling attached, not a dedicated marine experience. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have heart conditions, or serious back issues. Bring sunscreen (reef-safe, ideally), a rash guard for longer time in the sun, and cash for the park fee.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.